Device for preventing retraction of cords and drawstrings

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the device that prevents retraction of a cord and drawstring are disclosed. In some embodiments, the device is made of two pieces of plastic that are connected by a hinge. The inside of the device has a channel with gripping features and a latch that allows the user to take off the device when needed. For instance, when the user wants a different aesthetic or to prevent damage to a washing or drying machine when the object using the cord or drawstring needs to be cleaned.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the fields of apparel, bags, fasteners, and storage equipment.

BACKGROUND

Cords and drawstrings are commonly used to reduce the size of clothing, open or close an opening of a bag like item, or to secure items. Typically, these cords and drawstrings have a retraction path built into the item. These cords or drawstrings can be made of any material including, but not limited to, cords, strands, string, rope, ribbon, lanyard, braiding, bands, cable, thread, and twine. A problem with these cords and drawstrings is when the user pulls the cord or drawstring's opposite end, the other end of the cord or drawstring may fully retract and get lost within the built-in retraction path of the item. Commonly, a user or manufacturer will tie a knot in the cord or drawstring in an attempt to prevent the retraction of the string.

A problem with the tied knot is that the knot can be undone and the cord or drawstring can then be fully retracted and lost in the retraction path. Alternatively, after long use, knots can be difficult to undue. If a user would like to retie a knot to alter the position of the knot on the cord or drawstring, it could be very difficult to do so. Additionally, trying to undue a difficult knot can lead to cord or drawstring fraying, which leads to damage. For aesthetic reasons, a knot may not be the aesthetic look that the user is looking for. For example, a knot in a hoodie drawstring may not be the user's preferred aesthetic choice in preventing the retraction of the cord or drawstring.

Another way of preventing retraction of using a cord or drawstring is to use round beads, shaped beads, or aiglets. Beads can be made out of organic material such as bone, wood, fur, cotton, or shells. Some embodiments can also be made out of inorganic materials such as stone, crystals, metals, plastics, fabric, other types of polymers, and/or other chemical compounds. Beads can also be shaped and some embodiments can be shaped as figurines, logos, or into a shape of the user's choice. Aiglets can be made out of plastic, other types of polymers, or metal. A problem with the use of these beads or aiglets in preventing retraction is that the beads or aiglets are built onto the string and cannot be removed. If a user wants to change the aesthetics of the article, he or she will be unable to remove the bead or aiglet. For example, a bead secured to a hoodie drawstring may not be the user's preferred aesthetic choice when wearing the article of clothing. Beads or aiglets can also damage washers and dryers when spinning inside a washing or drying machine. If these beads or aiglets fall off the cord or drawstring, the cord or drawstring will be able to retract and become lost within the retraction path. A lost bead or aiglet may be aesthetically unpleasing, and thus the user may discard the article due to the lost bead or aiglet. Additionally, non-plastic or non-metal beads or aiglets may also be difficult to shape, as the material is limited to only certain forms and shaping methods and thus is expensive to produce.

Various devices are disclosed herein that remedy one or more of the above-identified concerns, or other concerns. In that regard, some embodiments of a device that prevents retraction of cords or drawstrings can be made out of an easily moldable material which can be attached and detached from the cord or drawstring. The device can present all the benefits of preventing a cord or drawstring from retracting into the retraction path and allows the user to have aesthetic options of switching the device and prevents damage to washers and dryers as the device can be removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention is depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Various features of the embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an inner view of an embodiment of the device when the device is opened apart.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the device from an end and is an partially open position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the device with a mechanical release hole facing the user and the device is closed over a cord like item.

FIG. 4 illustrates the device when the corresponding mating hinges are facing the user and the device is closed over a cord like item.

FIG. 5 illustrates another view of the device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an open and closed view of the device with an arrow-like pattern of gripping features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various devices to prevent retraction of cords and drawstrings are described below to illustrate various examples that may achieve one or more desired improvements. These examples are only illustrative and not intended to restrict the general disclosure presented and the various aspects and features of this disclosure. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those discussed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments shown, but is instead to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features that are disclosed or suggested herein.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an embodiment of a device that prevents retraction of a cord or drawstring. Referring to FIG. 1, the device 100 can be made of materials including, but not limited to plastic, polymers, metal, wood, stone, bone, crystal, and other materials. In some embodiments, the materials are easily moldable in order to facilitate ease of manufacturing. Some embodiments of the device are in colors including but not limited to gray, brown, blue, green, purple, silver, gold, bronze, yellow, orange, red, black, white, or otherwise. A combination or mix of colors can also be used. In this embodiment, the device 100 is shaped as a football 500, as shown in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, the device 100 can be shaped in various different forms and shapes. The following examples are not an exhaustive list and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. For example, the device 100 can be shaped to conform to a logo, indicia, or flag of a business, company, or country. For example, the logo may be the logo or name of a sports team, university, or favorite TV show, comic, anime, musical, video game, or movie. For example, the device 100 can be shaped into figurines including but not limited to cars, food items, action figures of favorite TV shows, musicals, movies, comic, anime, video games, dinosaurs, and animals. For example, the device 100 can be shaped into a shamrock, a leprechaun, a jack-o-lantern, hearts, a cupid, a chocolate box, flowers, flags, fireworks, Santa Claus, a present box, a turkey, pilgrim or Native American clothing, Easter eggs, an Easter bunny, balloons, trophies, and graduation diplomas and caps. For example, the device 100 can also be shaped into sports objects including but not limited to a basketball, baseball, football, soccer ball, volleyball, bowling ball, water polo ball, hockey puck, tennis ball, golf ball, football helmet, racecar, boxing gloves, billiards, dart boards, poker chips, cards, shoes, whistles, tennis rackets, baseball bats, golf clubs, boxing bags, helmets, and bullets. The device 100 can also be shaped into musical instruments, music notes, microphones, logos of favorite musicians, and even icons of musicians themselves. The device 100 can also be manufactured in other three-dimensional shapes. The device 100 can be used as a marketing and promotional tools for sports or commercial related companies.

FIG. 1 shows that in one embodiment, the device 100 has two halves in the form of a first-half 101 and second-half 102 and has a first end-160 and second-end 170. The first-half 101 and second-half 102 both have corresponding mating hinges 110, for example, first-hinge 120 and second-hinge 121. The center of the device on both halves has a center channel 130 for any type of cord like item 300 shown in FIG. 3 including, but not limited to, cords, drawstrings, shoe laces, strands, string, rope, ribbon, lanyard, braiding, bands, cable, thread, fur, twine, or hair. When the device 100 is assembled, the center channel creates a hollow center in the device 100. In some embodiments, the first-half 101 and/or second-half 102 can be hollow. In the center channel 130, there are textured gripping features 150 that function as friction points to cling on the cord like items. In some embodiments, these textured gripping features 150 can be other patterns such as bumps, ridges, teeth, hooks, cross-hatchings, or any other means of exerting friction on the cord like item 300 in the center channel 130 when the device is closed. In other embodiments, the center channel 130 can run in other directions such as top to bottom or even diagonally. The channel may not be in the center of the device and can be in other locations.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the first-half 101 has a latch 140 that is meant to be inserted into the corresponding latch recess 141 on the second-half 102. The latch 140 and latch recess 141 mechanically attach by the latch 140 hooking onto the latch recess lip 142 when the latch 140 is inserted into the latch recess 141. In some embodiments, the latch recess 141 is hidden. The latch recess can also be referred to as a catch. In some embodiments, the latch 140 and latch recess 141 can be located on other edges. In some embodiments, other means of attachments can be used in lieu of the latch 140 and latch recess 141. For example, adhesives, magnets, Velcro hook and loop fasteners, button snaps, and other means of fastening objects together may be used. In FIG. 3, a view of what the device looks like when it is clamped on a cord like structure 300 is shown. A pin can be inserted into the mechanical release hole 203 to unlatch the latch 140 from the latch recess lip 142. This allows a user to remove the device 100 from the cord like structure 300 for washing purposes or to switch out a different device 100 that better fits the user's preference. In some embodiments, a mechanical release hole 203 is not necessary if the device 100 uses other types of fastening means such as adhesives, magnets, or hook and loops. In some embodiments, a mechanical release hole 230 is not necessary if the device 100 is meant for permanent use. In some embodiments, the device 100 might be sealed as a one-piece unit with a 3-4 mm hole for the center channel 130. In some embodiments, the hole can be greater than 4 mm. In some embodiments, the hole can be less than 3 mm.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, show two views of the device when it is clamped on a cord like structure 300. The corresponding mating hinges 110 can be attached with different methods. For example, a pin can be inserted through the eyes on the hinges 201, a screw can be used to connect the corresponding mating hinges 110, a hybrid hinge design can be used, a living hinge can be used, a piano hinge, a natural or continuous hinge design can be used, or any other means of connecting the corresponding mating hinges 110. Alternatively, a moving hinge may not be needed. For example, the device 100 can be manufactured as a unitary structure with a living hinge or any other suitable attachment mechanism may be used.

FIG. 5 shows an outer view of the design on the device 100. In some embodiments, first-half 101 and second-half 102 can both have designs. In this embodiment, the device 100 is shaped as a football 500. In other embodiments, the device 100 can be shaped in various different forms and shapes. The following examples are not an exhaustive list and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a view of the device 100 open and closed. In this embodiment, the gripping features 150 are in an arrow-like design.

Advantageously, when a user goes to a sports event, he or she may want to use a device that matches the team he or she supports. A user may switch devices when he or she attends different games or events afterwards. A user may also want to switch devices when he or she attends a concert and would like to use a device that is shaped in the form of a logo of the musician. A user may want to switch devices in order to better match his or her apparel. A user would also take off the device when placing the article of clothing in the washing machine to prevent damage to the washing machine or device and replace it with a softer device to prevent cord retraction during washing. The user may also use the device as decoration for shoes by attaching the device to shoelaces of sneakers, boots, or sports shoes.

Companies and businesses often hand out promotional items as advertising. A company logo can be molded into the device for such purposes.

Terminology

Many other variations than those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the steps described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can be performed concurrently. In addition, different tasks or processes can be performed by different machines and/or computing systems that can function together.

The foregoing description and examples has been set forth merely to illustrate the disclosure and are not intended as being limiting. Each of the disclosed aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be considered individually or in combination with other aspects, embodiments, and variations of the disclosure. In addition, unless otherwise specified, none of the steps of the methods of the present disclosure are confined to any particular order of performance. Modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur to persons skilled in the art and such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The term “about” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “about” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims is not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application.

Although devices have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying devices. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying figures. Certain figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. Distances, angles, etc., are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

In summary, various embodiments and examples of devices have been disclosed. Although devices have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Thus, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A removable draw string clip device comprising: a first-half with a male hinge; a second-half with a female hinge, wherein the first-half and second-half are configured to assemble via connection of the male and female hinges; a first channel located on a first face of the first-half, wherein the first channel has a textured grip design; and a second channel located on a first face on the second-half, wherein the second channel has a textured grip design, wherein the first and second center channels are configured to create a center channel when the first-half and second-half are assembled that is configured to allow the device to grasp a cord like item.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the textured grip design can be bumps
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the textured grip design can be ridges.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the textured grip design can be teeth.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the textured grip design can be cross-hatchings.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first-half has a latch that Is configured to be inserted to a corresponding latch recess on the second-half.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first-half and second-half is made out of metal.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first-half and second-half is made out of plastic.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first-half has a flat surface on a second face, wherein the flat face is configured for patterns to be displayed.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the second-half has a flat surface on a second face, wherein the flat face is configured for patterns to be displayed.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is shaped like a football when assembled.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is shaped like a basketball when assembled. 